The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival will open its 25th anniversary season with a performance by the Ying Quartet on May 7 at 4 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church.
Ying Quartet photo by J. Adam Fenster.
Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area. The festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter and Jasper, String Quartets, and more. Concerts are held in venues across Cooperstown, including the grand Otesaga Hotel, The Farmers’ Museum, and Christ Church (the church of author James Fenimore Cooper).
The Ying Quartet is an American string quartet formed in 1988 by the Ying siblings, presenting a program entitled “American Made,” opening with Samuel Barber’s Quartet in B Minor, from which his famously moving Adagio movement is drawn. The program continues on with works by Jennifer Higdon and Billy Childs that draw on American roots and bebop music tradition, Southern Harmony and Agitato respectively. The night ends with Quartet No. 13 in G major by Dvorak, a European composer who helped define the American musical voice. “The tradition of American string quartet writing is full of magnificent music,” says cellist David Ying. “We have all of these wonderful composers to thank for contributing to the vibrant American music scene that we enjoy today.”
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students and children, available now.
Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA award nominee Ana De Armas shocked and stunned viewers with her role as Marilyn Monroe in the biopic Blonde, as well as her other roles, including the critically acclaimed mystery Knives Out. This week she hosted Saturday Night Live with Latin musical guest Karol G.
In honor of the warm weather recently, Saturday Night Live’s cold open took place in Central Park with an award show called the “First Warm Day of the Year.” Reporters (Heidi Gardner and Bowen Yang) took turns interviewing various people you’d see throughout the park, from runners, perverts, first-time rollerbladers, disgruntled park employees, and more.
The monologue opened with Ana De Armas showcasing her bilingual skills, swapping from Spanish to English, talking about how she learned to speak English from the TV show Friends, and different acting classes. Armas discussed her Oscar nomination as well as the fact that she is becoming a U.S. citizen in just three weeks. She finished it off by saying how she feels like she made it because she is hosting Saturday Night Live.
The second sketch, “Matt Schatt Game Show” featured Kenan Thompson as the game show host, with Ana De Armas playing an attractive wife, married to a nerdy, unattractive man with a humourous amount of nipples, played by Mikey Day. Lately, pop culture has been overtaken by the new Barbie movie trailer and SNL references that, utilizing American Girl dolls in a fake movie trailer, bringing the dolls to life.
Other sketches include “Album Recording Session,” about a producer (Devon Walker) trying to record his producer tag, starring Armas and Ego Nwodim as the girls recording it, messing up and joking about his car, his ability to get women, and more. Following that is a sketch about a Spanish class, with musical guest Karol G making an appearance towards the end, singing the Spanish alphabet. The “Please Don’t Destroy” sketch spoke about a bad night out, where they cannot remember what happened, suffering hangxiety.
Colombian singer/songwriter Karol G, described as a reggaeton and Latin trap artist, experiments with different genres throughout her music. She has amassed over 50 million monthly Spotify listeners and has over one billion streams. Her first song of the night “MIENTRAS ME CURO DEL CORA” off of her critically acclaimed record Mañana Será Bonito featured background singers humming the tune to “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” the tempo which is sampled in the track. Everyone was dressed in brown and beige, with a satin curtain background, dancing to the different beat changes the song includes, making the listener want to get up and groove. The vibes are happier on the song as Karol G sings in Spanish, catering to native and non-native speakers alike with her infectious energy and overall good mood.
https://youtu.be/_Q8b-dzZ9gA
Weekend Update rammed in on the Trump arrest and various politicians, from Supreme Court Justices to those voting against a women’s right to choose. Guests include Kenan Thompson as Funky Kong, talking about getting cut from the new Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Sarah Sherman as Genesis Fry, a meditation guru attempting to make Colin Jost become intuitive while making fun of his ego and soft arms. SNL makes it a point to introduce the first nonbinary cast member Molly Kearney as who they are, not a character. Kearney spoke about trans rights, which are a topic of discussion amongst lawmakers, trying to limit their rights, but Kearney makes it a point to discuss how important their rights are, and that we need to protect trans youth.
The final sketches included Armas and others in “Enter Stage Woof: Acting School for Dogs,” featuring actual dogs on the SNL stage, and Bowen Yang, holder of the Guinness Book World Record for the longest nails, with his wife, played by Armas. The sketch takes a shocking turn as Yang cuts his fingernails off, saving their relationship. Karol G performed her last song “TUS GAFTAS” with a completely different vibe change, suddenly in a spiky black outfit laying against a black car, with an all-female backing band, also in all black. The song is heavier than the last, with melodic guitars and a fast drum beat, showing her versatility. She wows the crowd with her stage presence, moving all around as she sings, not stopping the swaying of her hips even when the song stops.
https://youtu.be/BaQ532bS3N4
Pete Davidson will make his Saturday Night Live return on May 6 with musical guest Lil Uzi Vert.
Billy Strings has announced a Fall Tour that takes him from Colorado to points west, a home-state Halloween show, a second trip to Europe in as many years, followed by a run of East Coast shows to round out the tour in Syracuse.
photo by Zach Culver
Billy Strings and his band get things started with two nights in Buena Vista, CO, then head to Idaho, before heading to Portland, OR., Seattle, WA, Sacramento, CA., Stanford, CA., Stateline, NV., and West Valley City, UT, Heading back east, the band makes a stop in Independence, MO. followed by a Halloween show in his home-state of Michigan, in Grand Rapids, with a venue yet to be announced.
Following a successful string of European dates, Strings will then head to Europe to perform in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Cologne, Luxembourg, Munich, and Paris before heading to England with shows planned in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Birmingham.
In December, Strings will make a trip up the East Coast, starting on December 6 in Greensboro, N.C., then head north to Baltimore, MD, Pittsburgh, PA, Wilkes-Barre, PA, and finally closing out the tour with a performance in Syracuse, NY at a venue yet to be named.
Learn more about Billy Strings’ upcoming tour and where and when to get tickets here.
The Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua has announced the 2023 Roc The Lake Festival with the renowned trio AJR as a headliner. On July 17, fans can jam to their favorite songs by AJR, and a lineup including Chelsea Cutler, Lawrence Blake Rose and Almost Monday.
AJR, is a renowned pop trio of brothers that has garnered an abundance of success since their formation in 2012. Over the past decade AJR has accumulated billions of streams, released a platinum album, double-platinum single, triple-platinum single, and four platinum singles. The band has also been ranked #1 on the Top Alternative Albums and Rock Albums Charts following their biggest first-week debut at the Neotheater in 2019. Apple Music and Spotify showed appreciation for the trio’s electric sound by placing AJR’s “Sober Up” & “Weak” among the Best Rock and Alt Songs of the 2010s. Fans can rock out to songs from the brother’s fourth full-length album, OK ORCHESTRA at the Roc The Lake Festival.
Chelsea Cutler is a singer, songwriter, and the producer of introspective EDM. After signing to Ultra Records in 2017, the vocalist released mixtapes such as Sleeping with Roses I and II and a full-length debut, How to Be Human. Lawrence Blake Rose is an upcoming Australian singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles. The gifted musician recently released a new single “Rest Of Us.”
The San Diego based trio, Almost Monday quickly transformed from garage band to an upbeat pop sensation. While only having a few songs released, the boys gained a tremendous amount of fame and millions of streams since the release of their disco-infused track “Broken People” in 2020.
The Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) was founded by Marvin Sands. The arts center has been on a mission to unite communities through art and culture since 1983.
Tickets to the Roc The Lake Festival can be found here.
Paul Simon has announced the upcoming release of his highly anticipated musical work, Seven Psalms, which will be available on May 19th.
During his distinguished career spanning six decades, musician Paul Simon has produced timeless masterpieces, such as Bridge Over Troubled Water, Sounds of Silence, and Graceland, has received 16 Grammy Awards and has been twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As one half of Simon & Garfunkel, many remember Paul Simon for the incredible Central Park performance that raised $51,000, cleaning up the park with the money they raised from merchandising, CD sales and TV and video rights
This new project is intended to be listened to as one continuous piece, a 33-minute, seven-movement composition. Recorded entirely on acoustic instruments, and predominantly performed by Paul, Seven Psalms showcases Simon’s craft at its finest and most captivating, simply with his voice and guitar.
A stunning, intricately layered work, it’s a record which establishes an engaging and meditative, almost hymnal soundscape, with Paul’s lyrics providing the gravitational center for constellations of sound woven from guitar strings and other acoustic instrumentation – including choral elements from the highly-regarded British vocal ensemble VOCES8, and a beautiful vocal appearance by Edie Brickell.
True to the origin of psalms as hymns meant to be sung rather than spoken, Seven Psalms reaches back to the very genesis of folk music: King David’s Psalms. The result is a quietly moving musical experience which uncovers a wealth of subtle details with every repeated listen. A step apart from anything Paul Simon has released before, Seven Psalms defies categorization.
For more information, and to presave the album, please visit Paul Simon’s website.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Reese Fulmer, Modern Fools, and Northern Faces.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Modern Fools don’t fall into just one genre, creating music that can be classified as country, folk, alternative, or even indie. Last year they released the track “Misery,” tune into EQXposure on Sunday to hear it.
Reese Fulmer and his Carriage House Band are quickly rising stars in the Capital Region. Fulmer is a bit of an old soul, and his music is reminiscent of Justin Townes Earle, Jeffrey Foucault, John Prine, and Iron & Wine. He will be performing at the Hollow in Albany on April 22, and tickets are on sale here.
Northern Faces is a rock band formed in 2012 featuring Bryan Shortell and Marco Testa on vocals and guitars, and Matt Ippolito on bass. Their single “18” was released on March 17.
Experimental music festival 24 HOUR DRONE has announced their full artist lineup plus art installation details and food vendors for this years festival taking place at Basilica Hudson Saturday May 27 – Sunday May 28 from noon to noon as part of Drone Day.
Featuring 24 hours of unbroken, immersive sound, 24-HOUR DRONE blurs the line between artist and attendee to create transcendence through communal experience. Presented by Basilica Hudson and Le Guess Who? In collaboration with Sarah Van Buren, the festival activates the entire Basilica Hudson campus through audio/visual art installations and food pop-ups, with music centered in Basilica Hudson’s 6,000 sq. ft. Main Hall.
A total of 18 acts will perform, including six new artists announced today include Legendary experimentalist eucademix (Yuka C. Honda), Wolf Eyes performing in its latest incarnation as a duo, and renowned US-Based Balinese percussion orchestra Gamelan Dharma Swara returning to 24-HOUR DRONE for the first time in nearly a decade.
Further additions include pioneering queer saxophonist Michael Foster & DC-based jazz luminary Luke Stewart performing as a duo, a solo set from “transcendental black metal” artist Liturgy (Haela Ravenna Hunt-Hendrix) featuring looped guitar counterpoint, vocals, and electronic percussion, and internationally celebrated sitarist Veena Chandra returns to DRONE with her son, accomplished Tabla percussionist Devesh Chandra.
These artists join previously announced 24-HOUR DRONE acts including: 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Music winner Raven Chacon, C. Lavender, Fuji|||||||||||ta, and Photay with Celia Hollander and special guests Laraaji + Arji OceAnanda, each performing a special three-hour endurance set.
This will be the first 24-HOUR DRONE held in-person at the venue in four years. It will once again be streamed live on Wave Farm Radio broadcast live on WGXC 90.7-FM: Radio for Open Ears.
For more information, a full lineup, and to purchase tickets, please visit the festivals website.
Radio Woodstock has announced that legendary singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant will be taking over the airwaves for a special Saturday Night Takeover on April 15th, at 10 pm.
Listeners can tune in from 10 pm to midnight to hear Jamestown, NY native Natalie Merchant curate her own playlist, sharing the songs and artists that have influenced her throughout her career. The night will be a unique opportunity for fans to get an intimate look at Natalie Merchant’s personal musical tastes and the stories behind some of her most beloved songs.
Natalie Merchant is a multi-platinum-selling American singer-songwriter and producer known for her distinctive voice and captivating literary-pop songs. She has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Tigerlily and Ophelia, and has received numerous awards and nominations for her work. Her music blends folk, rock, and world music influences, and she continues to be regarded as a pioneering figure in alternative music. Her newest record, Keep Your Courage, finds Merchant in peak form with songs about love and human connection in its many forms and a voice to keep you hanging on every word.
I moved to the Hudson Valley in 1988, but I started making records at Bearsville Studios and Dreamland around the same time.I have a long relationship as a listener but also over the years performed at a lot of benefit concerts. This is our hometown radio station. I love WDST. It’s really fun to be here and take over.
Natalie Merchant
Natalie Merchant’s career spans over four decades, from her early days with the band 10,000 Maniacs to her successful solo career. She has sold over 20 million records worldwide and is known for hits like “Carnival,” “Wonder,” and “Kind and Generous.”
Her newest record, Keep Your Courage, finds Merchant in peak form with songs about love and human connection in its many forms and a voice to keep you hanging on every word.
“We’re honored to have Natalie Merchant take over Radio Woodstock’s airwaves,” said Radio Woodstock principal owner & President, Gary Chetkof. “Natalie is not only a beloved musician, but she is also an activist and a champion for independent artists. Her takeover is a perfect fit for our station.”
Tune in for “Saturday Night Takeover” as Natalie Merchant takes over the airwaves on Saturday, April 15th, from 10 pm to Midnight on-air at 100.1, or listen online at RadioWoodstock.com or via the iHeartRADIO app.
Coming this July to the Lake George region, The Adirondack Bluegrass Festival has announced the launching of its inaugural event, held over July 1-2.
This new annual event will be held at the Barn at French Mountain, just 2 miles south of the village of Lake George. The Adirondack Bluegrass Festival will encompass 10 acres of expansive countryside fields and the beautiful skyline of French Mountain.
Live entertainment will be inside a 9,000 square foot finished barn and the grounds will be home to over a 100 vendors, food trucks and other activities, like our Cornhole Tournament, and Bounce Houses in the Kids Zone.
There will be fun for all ages, and kids under 12 are free with a parent. The festival has many lodging options nearby with a campground, and hotels within walking distance, and even more options within a short drive. Onsite parking will be no charge.
The Adirondack Bluegrass Festival’s mission is to help highlight the bands and musicians of the greater Adirondack area. This two day event will be centered around many local bands that play both traditional music, as well as modern contemporary bluegrass. The festival has brought together a great lineup of upstate’s finest bluegrass players including The Bands Cedar Ridge, the Hilltown Ramblers, Washington County Line, High Peaks Bluegrass Band, Adirondack Song Dogs, The Meat Chickens and the Soggy Derby Boys Band.
Also, there will be many an impromptu jam to brighten your day as a picker or a spectator. The eclectic mix of vendors and activities will certainly provide a weekend of fun and enjoyment. Tickets start at $30 per day and are available now on the festivals website.
For more information on the Adirondack Bluegrass Festival in Lake George, or to purchase tickets, please visit the festivals website.
NYC indie-pop artist Olivia Reid is getting ready to release her newest single “Wounds (Healing)” on Friday, April 14th. The track is an introspective, ethereal reflection that sees the budding singer-songwriter questioning the layered, complex healing process.
Olivia Reid stated about the single, “I recognized how much I had to heal from, but simultaneously feared that truly healing it would leave an absence or a blankness in me. When I’m in fight or flight mode long enough, wounds in the form of anxiety or sadness can mistakenly feel like a crucial part of who I am. The wounds feel familiar, so starting the healing process made me feel so much weaker at first.”
Based in NYC, Olivia Reid’s production style blends indie acoustics with exploratory electronic pop soundscapes, landing listeners in a visceral sonic world. Reid’s interests are diversified, exploring areas such as screenwriting, neuroscience, digesting current events, advocating for nature.
Currently, Olivia is involved with Brian Eno’s charity EarthPercent, and listening to podcasts, she formerly hosted Spotify For Artists and Notable’s Song Start podcast where she interviewed artists like Sam Smith, Victoria Monet, Hayley Williams of Paramore.
As a self-proclaimed “chronic collaborator,” Reid has connected with audiences around the world via collaborations such as “Time is Mine” with Kidswaste, “What You Came Here For” with Jae Luna, and “Above the Clouds” with SŸDE.
As stated in a previous article by NYS Music, Reid’s music serves as a self-reflection and dedication to her path to success, above all of the challenges. Olivia Reid’s debut EP Earth Water hit streaming platforms in 2021, with new songs on the way in 2023. Fueled by deeply personal lyrics and boundary-pushing production, the new project conceptually details an artist’s slow descent into madness.
